FALL & WINTER ' 16
A seasonal , practical guide to Fall and Winter tasks for sustainable growers
When this growing season comes to an end it ’ s the time to keep the cycle going and prepare for the next one .
1 . Tend to your compost :
Your compost bin should be supplying your growing areas with plenty of the dark organic material that is vital for healthy strong plants . By now , most of the contents of compost bins have been applied to nourish crops and improve the soil . Now it ’ s time for renewal – which means more compost for the next season .
2 . Remove annual plants that are spent and dying :
Inspect them and if they show signs of pests or disease , bag them up to dispose of in the trash . The healthy annuals and weeds can be put in the compost to return their nutrients back to the growing cycle . You can add different organic materials to keep the compost active and hot . Chicken droppings , composted cow or horse manure , and biochar , along with plenty of leaf mold , will keep it in balance . Keep the compost hydrated - it ’ s vital to promote bioactivity . During dry periods , water thoroughly once a week until the first hard frost .
3 . Keep your leaves :
Leaf mold is an excellent ( and free !) mulch as well as an important ingredient for the compost bin . Place leaves in their own bin close to your compost . They ’ ll transform into leaf mold in about a year .
4 . Plan for next year :
Rotating crops is an important practice , especially if you grow heavy feeding plants like tomatoes and peppers . Establish a three-year rotation cycle to allow your soil to renew itself . Sew cover crops , like winter rye or cowpeas , in your vegetable beds to provide essential nitrogen as the stems and grasses decompose . Also add compost and lime as needed to your vegetable beds .
5 . Order seeds :
Now ’ s the time to start thinking about next year . While the past season is fresh in our minds we can begin to plan next year ’ s design .
6 . Save what you can :
Most annuals are sensitive to frost and will die after a hard one . Some , like celery , kale and other brassicas like cabbage and broccoli , are frost tolerant and can produce well into late fall with a little protection . You can cover some cold tolerant greens with plastic film , often extending the growing season considerably . If you have a sunny space inside , even if it ’ s unheated , you can extend your growing season by bringing potted plants inside , tomatoes , peppers and many other food plants will continue to produce , given a little shelter . You can easily add a month or longer to your growing season .
7 . Have your soil tested :
Have your soil tested for nutrient content and acidity ( pH ) and find out what your soil actually needs . Amend as needed using lime , and other natural soil amendments , available at many garden centers and feed shops .
8 . Prune trees and vines :
Most fruit trees as well as grape vines should be pruned during dormancy , from late fall to very early spring . Cleanly cut off all damaged and diseased branches in the fall . As the weather gets colder , observe the growth patterns of your trees and vines , which can grow very quickly during the summer . If there is a cluster of growth , remove all but the strongest shoots , which in turn will create sturdy trunks and branches that will eventually bear fruit .
9 . Plant garlic :
Do so when the ground is cold to the touch , but before frost sets in ( Myong says October 20 ). Garlic bulbs need cold soil to produce plump clusters of cloves . Plant in rows and apply plenty of marsh hay or leaf mold on top to protect from winter damage .
16 GROW ! BOSTON